San Sebastian's history: a journey through time

A stroll through Donostia's origins: discovering San Sebastian's story

From village to shining city

The history of San Sebastian begins over a thousand years ago, when this city was just a fishing village called "Donostia" in Basque. Can you imagine Sean Connery, in his role as James Bond, walking these streets in search of a medieval conspiracy? In the 12th century, King Sancho the Wise of Navarre granted it a charter, giving it a special status that incentivized trade and fishing.

Izurun, "place of three holes", was the name given by fishermen to the bay of San Sebastian in the 11th century. This peculiar old Basque toponym gives rise to the name Donostia, which means "city between three holes". A name that refers to the three entrances that are formed between Mount Igueldo, Santa Clara Island and Mount Urgull.

San Sebastian developed rapidly thanks to its strategic location on the coast and its natural harbor. Did you know that in the 15th century it was already a crucial point for maritime trade? This city has witnessed wars, invasions, and destruction, but like a good movie hero, it has always risen from the ashes.

The 19th Century Reinassance

In the 19th century, San Sebastian transformed into a modern city. Queen Isabel II, seeking the healing properties of the sea, chose this city for her summer vacations. It was the beginning of a golden era that saw the construction of elegant buildings and the establishment of La Concha as one of the most emblematic beaches in Europe.

Imagine Audrey Hepburn strolling along La Concha Beach with her innate elegance, or Cary Grant enjoying an afternoon in the gardens of the Miramar Palace. With the arrival of the railroad in 1864, San Sebastian became the favorite destination of the European aristocracy, consolidating its reputation as a place of luxury and sophistication.

The 20th Century: war and resilience

The Belle Époque and the Civil War

The first half of the 20th century brought with it tumultuous times. During the Belle Époque, San Sebastian became a cultural and social center. The Grand Casino, which is now the City Hall, was the epicenter of glamour and sophistication.

But the Spanish Civil War left its mark on the city. Despite the occupation and repression, the city never lost its resilient spirit. In this context, San Sebastian rose again, like a cinematic phoenix, ready for its next act.

The second half of the Century: festivals and reconstruction

After the war, San Sebastian began a process of reconstruction and modernization. In 1953, the first San Sebastian International Film Festival was held, an event that would put the city on the map of the world of cinema. This festival has attracted stars of the stature of Alfred Hitchcock, Elizabeth Taylor, and more recently, great names of contemporary cinema such as Pedro Almodóvar and Penélope Cruz.

In each edition, the city becomes a gigantic film set, where the red carpet is rolled out and the streets are filled with the magic of the seventh art. If you were staying at the Zinema7 Hotel, you could easily find yourself rubbing shoulders with directors, actors, and critics enjoying a cocktail in our bar, sharing filming anecdotes and cinematic dreams.